Flight schools in California
Looking for pilot training schools in California? There are 9, including 8 public colleges and 1 private career school. Commercial pilots in California earn a median $165,590 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 9
- Public colleges
- 8
- Median pay in CA
- $165,590
- Cities with schools
- 8
Flight schools by city
- Los Angeles (3 within 30 mi)
- Long Beach (5 within 30 mi)
- Anaheim (4 within 30 mi)
- Ontario (3 within 30 mi)
- Pasadena (4 within 30 mi)
- Costa Mesa (4 within 30 mi)
- Mission Viejo (3 within 30 mi)
- Glendora (4 within 30 mi)
What commercial pilots earn in California
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Commercial pilot salary in CaliforniaHow to become a commercial pilot
- Median pay
- $165,590
- Typical range
- $63,890–$500,170
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CA
- 4,900
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +5.2%
- 5,200 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near California
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Frequently asked questions
How many pilot training schools are in California?
We list 9 schools in California with pilot training programs: 8 public colleges and 1 private career school. Campuses are in Bakersfield, Cypress, Fullerton, Glendale, and Walnut.
Are there community college pilot training programs in California?
Yes. 8 public colleges in California offer pilot training. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does pilot training school cost in California?
Among the 9 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $3,337 to $36,126. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do commercial pilots make in California?
The median pay for commercial pilots in California is $165,590 a year, and most earn between $63,890 and $500,170, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a pilot training school in California?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in California
- Medical assistant schools (152)
- Cosmetology schools (119)
- Criminal justice programs (109)
- Auto mechanic schools (83)
- Dental assistant schools (83)
- LPN programs (83)
- IT schools (83)
- Esthetician schools (76)
- HVAC schools (71)
- Welding schools (69)
- Barber schools (68)
- Pharmacy technician schools (66)
- Medical billing and coding schools (63)
- Industrial maintenance schools (60)
- Electrician schools (58)
- Fire science programs (57)
Flight schools in other states
- Florida (7)
- North Carolina (5)
- Oregon (5)
- Indiana (4)
- Texas (4)
- Colorado (3)
- Minnesota (3)
- Pennsylvania (3)
- Washington (3)